The Broncos used four of their seven picks on defense, including their first pick of the draft — Cincinnati defensive tackle Derek Wolfe — in the second round (36th overall). The Packers, Eagles and Patriots used their first 18 selections combined on defense.

In all, 50 defensive backs were selected, the highest total of players at any position.

"I think defense still matters," Broncos coach John Fox said. "I think we've seen it proven over and over again. It is a passing league with quarterbacks at the center of it, but we see all the time — defense matters."

With years to go before the grades are in on this draft, here are first impressions from the weekend's selection festival:

AFC West

Broncos Grade: C+

Picks made: 7

Best pick: Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State (third round). Hillman should make an immediate impact, especially as a receiver.

Bottom line: The value of the board likely dictated a trade out of the first round — there were roughly 22 players with true first-round grades — but they surrendered too much value in the trades they made to make their moves.

Kansas City Chiefs Grade: C-

Picks made: 8

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Best pick: Jeff Allen, T, Illinois (second round). Was the first of back-to-back picks on the offensive line.